Leading us forward
The darkest hours of Jesus’ earthly life lay ahead. The same would apply to the disciples who loved Jesus and were not prepared to let Him go. Even though Jesus did his best in this regard, their hearts were troubled. Jesus told them as he tells all of us who love him and follow him that not only was he preparing a place for them in his eternal kingdom that he was also coming back to take them there.
Thomas asks, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus then provides the answer in the simplest terms possible by telling them: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Recently in Florida, Shirley and I went for a walk and happened to stroll past an animal shelter that seemed to be in darkness. The night sky was clouded so it made the walking a bit difficult. We snuggled the building closely and to our amazement the flood lights came on lighting our way. The building had several flood lights activated by a sensor and as we walked past the next part of the building, those flood lights came on as well. By the time we finished walking the outside length of this long building, all the sensors were activated and about five sets of lights were blazing down at us. We felt like Hollywood stars. Most evenings now, we walk that same path and all the lights come on for us. Isn’t it fun being the centre of attention at times?
More seriously, I am discovering in my daily communication with the Lord that He really is showing me the way to move forward in my faith. It is like a light bulb clicking in my head. As I begin my day, I am sensing God’s presence in a very strong manner. As I walk, I do a lot of talking to the Lord and always begin my conversation with thanksgiving. The best thing that ever occurred in my life was the day as a teenager when I promised Jesus that He would have all there was of me in carrying out His will for my life.
Now in my senior years, I am being blessed over and over again as the Lord guides me forward to find new ways to be of service. I just cannot thank Him enough as the Lord has poured out his blessings upon our family, friends and our church. God is very much alive and lights up our paths so there is no way the darkness can overwhelm us.
Recently while attending the Clearwater Salvation Army Corps, the Officer spoke about the 19-year-old young man, Nikolas Cruz, who entered the Marjorie Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., with an AR-15 rifle and killed 17 people, the worst school shooting since Sandy Hook. This troubled young man had recently moved into his friend’s home after Cruz’s adopted mother had died of pneumonia on Nov. 1, leaving him without parents. His friend’s family who had consented to taking him in realized he was extremely depressed over his mother’s death. This young man with a long history of brokenness and mental illness committed a terrible tragedy taking the lives of 14 young people and three adults.
What does it mean to be broken and homeless? How does a young person handle life’s complexities when there is little if any support to fix such brokenness regardless of age? When it is a young person who is even more vulnerable and at risk, what can be done to save him or her? So many young people became victims that day because of a broken life gone wrong. Where is the light of God in such terrible circumstances when darkness wraps itself around a person so tightly that there seems no escape?
Jesus knew the darkness for him was soon approaching and that he would face the cruelest death possible — the death on a cross. It was a lonely path to follow but his love for each of us was so strong; he was willing to walk that lonesome valley because of his great love for us. Jesus still lights the way when there seems to be no other route to follow.
Even in the midst of our own dark hours, we do not have to remain broken. Help is on the way and once again there is a miracle in the making. We can trust him to lead us forward to a place of goodness while we trust in His faithfulness. Perhaps today, you the reader will be used by the Lord to light up the way for someone whose life feels uncertain and hard. Tell them that Jesus is still the way, the truth and the life. Reach out to that someone even now.